In the weeks surrounding the royal visit, Canadians contacted Stephen Harper to thank him for welcoming Will and Kate “as part of our national family” and reported crying “tears of joy” when they watched the Canada Day celebrations on TV.

But the more than 50 public e-mails show that even Britain’s handsome newlyweds can’t bridge the divide between Canadians over the monarchy’s place in our country.

While one “Dear Harper” letter demands the prime minister and all his MPs boycott the visit, two other e-mails urged Harper to appoint Prince William the next Governor General of Canada. The e-mails were acquired by iPolitics through an access to information request.

Among the Canadians royally annoyed with the visit, the tour’s costs were the most common complaint.

“Just wondering why we are spending Canadian tax dollars on security for the royal newlyweds? Seems to me they can afford their own security?” one correspondent asks.

“What is our military aircraft doing flying the royals around??? Why is our military aircraft flying them into the USA??? Please put our priorities first – Canadians first,” another says.

Earlier this week, Defence Minister Peter MacKay announced Canada’s armed forces will be restored to their royal roots, returning as the Royal Canadian Navy and the Royal Canadian Air Force.

But the public e-mails show that, during the Duke and Duchess’ tour, this sort of colonial revelry did not sit well.

An Alberta correspondent writes he is “tired of so many visits” and “so disappointed” in the prime minister. “We should be moving from being a vestige of the British Empire rather than bring Canada back into the fold. After how poorly the British treated Canada’s accomplishments in WWII, I would hope we could grow into a full fledged country.”

Another e-mail argues, “It is time for a republic. We need real Canadians – not foreigners – to admire as our symbols.”

Meanwhile, other Canadians seemed to have performance anxiety about the much-publicized visit, expressing worry about the Quebec itinerary and the Canada Day program on Parliament Hill.

One Manitoba correspondent warned the prime minister: “I have just read that a radical group in Quebec is planning to stage some violent protests against the royal visit … I urge you to take whatever means at your disposal in dealing swiftly and effectively with the first signs of any possible civil disturbance.”

Several writers complained the Canada Day celebrations in Ottawa weren’t up to snuff, describing them as “awful,” “an embarrassment” and “getting worse every year.”

“Whoever chose the entertainers didn’t do a very good job and should be chastised for the choices he or she made,” one Ontario resident says.

“To add more insult to injury, the evening show was an identical version of the noon show and the Royals were obliged to endure the same dross twice,” another e-mail reads.

But the royal visit won the heart of one Albertan, who said, “This is the first time I have ever been happy with the current government.”

And a message from outside the country suggested Canada won hearts overseas, too: “I am so sold on your country. You are truly amazing people and I can only imagine the tourism and economic growth following this visit. HRHs William and Kate have put Canada on the map.”

Every email received a polite response from the Prime Minister’s Office, informing the sender that their comments had been “carefully noted.”